Oxygen dispenser



Feb. 6, 1962 w. HUGHES 3,019,788

OXYGEN DISPENSER Filed Feb. 10, 1959 INVENTOR.

3,019,788 OXYGEN DISPENSER Wiliiam Hughes, Stafiord Springs, Conn. (RFD. 1, West Stafford, Conn.) Filed Feb. 10, 1959, Ser. No. 792,417 4 Claims. (Cl. 128-203) This invention relates to a gas dispenser, and more particularly to a device for holding and dispensing oxygen.

The object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to be used as a means for dispensing oxygen, as for example when a motorist becomes fatigued while driving in an automobile or other vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide an oxygen dispenser which can be conveniently carried in a suitable location such as in a vehicle so that in the event that the driver or other person in the vehicle becomes fatigued or drowsy, then a predetermined quantity of oxygen can be conveniently dispensed so that the motorist can inhale or breathe in the oxygen in order to overcome the fatigu or drowsiness.

A further object of the invention is to provide an oxygen dispenser which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

:In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of the oxygen dispenser of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken at right angles to the view shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the oxygen dispenser of the present invention; and

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged elevational view illustrating the present invention, and with parts broken away and in section. 7

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral 10 indicates a container or can which is adapted to hold a quantity of oxygen such as gaseous oxygen under pressure. Extending upwardly from the container 10 and secured thereto or formed integral therewith is a neck 11, and a valve 12 is arranged in the neck 11 for controlling the discharge of oxygen from the container 10. The numeral 13 indicates an end piece which is mounted on the upper end of the neck 11, and the end piece 13 may be made of a yieldable material such as a suitable plastic or rubber, so that when the end piece 13 is pressed inwardly slightly, the valve 12 will be opened to permit discharge of oxygen from the container 10.

The numeral 14 indicates a support member which is arranged contiguous to the neck 11, and a mask 15 is formed integral with or secured to the support member 14. Registering outlet openings 16 and 17 are provided in the neck 11 and support member 14. The numeral 18 indicates a tube which may be arranged in engagement with the opening 17 so that if desired the tube 18 can be inserted in a persons mouth in order to provide a convenient means of supplying oxygen to the user, as for example when oxygen is being supplied to a motorist who is fatigued or drowsy.

There is further provided a handle which is indicated generally by the numeral 19, and the handle 19 is pivotally connected to the support member 14 as at 20. A releasable stop member 21 is interposed between the lower end of the handle 19 and the container 10, FIG- URE 1. The numeral 22 indicates a clamping ring which is secured to the mask 15, and the clamping ring 22 surrounds the container 10. As shown in the drawings the clamping ring 22 is provided with a finger engaging tab or bracket 23. The numeral 24 indicates a spring mem- :ite States Patent ice her which has one end connected to the ring 22, and a portion of the spring member 24 engages the handle 19 for normally urging a portion of the handle 19 in the proper direction.

The numeral 25 indicates a projection or shoulder on the handle 19, which engages the end piece 13 so that by properly manipulating or moving the handle 19, the shoulder 25 will flex or move the resilient end piece 13 inwardly slightly so that the valve 12 can be opened in order to permit discharge of oxygen from the container 10 out through the openings 16 and 17.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided an oxygen dispenser which is especially suitable for use in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks or the like in order to relieve driver fatigue, drowsiness or the like. According to the present invention, the container 10 is of the type which is filled with a suitable quantity of oxygen such as oxygen in a gaseous state under pressure. The mask 15 is retained connected to the container 10 by means of the ring 22 and when no action is needed, the parts in the position of FIGURE 1' so that the stop member 21 maintains the lower portion of the handle 19 away from the container 10. Then, when a person desires to breathe in the oxygen, the member 21 can be removed from the position shown in FIGURE 1 and then with the mask 15 arranged contiguous to a persons mouth or face, the handle 19 can be manually pressed inward towards the container 10 and this will cause the shoulder 25 to exert pressure on the yieldable end piece 13. This movement of the end piece 13 will open the valve 12 so that oxygen from the container 10 can flow out from the container 10, through the neck 11, and then through the openings 16 and 17. If desired the tube 18 may be connected so that it registers with the opening 17 so with the tube 18 inserted in a persons mouth, oxygen can pass through the tube 18 and into the persons mouth and into the persons body so as to resuscitate or revive a person. The use of the oxygen dispenser is especially advantageous or suitable in vehicles since by permitting a person to readily overcome the effects of drowsiness or fatigue, there will be less likelihood of an accident occurring from a sleepy or tired driver. The spring member 24 helps maintain the handle 19 away from the container 10, but when suflicient pressure is exerted on the handle 19, the holding power of the spring 24 can be overcome. The bracket 23 can function as a finger grip so as to facilitate the handling or holding of the device.

The parts can be made of any suitable material and in different shapes or sizes.

The handle can be shortened to finger tab length if desired. The tube 18 may be flexible so that a person can inhale through the tube 18 without using the face mask if desired. The valve 12 is of conventional construction. If desired certain of the parts may be of molded plastic. When the handle 19 is pressed down, the oxygen will pass out through the face mask 15. The thumb member 23 aids in holding the bottle while using the same.

The device is especially suitable for use by motor vehicle operators who become drowsy while driving, and the bottle or container 10 may contain oxygen under low pressure which can be retailed or sold at a low cost.

The device is of such a size that it can be easily handled and if desired, the container may hold a mixture of pure oxygen mixed with an inert gas. It is believed that the use of such a device in vehicles will cut down on vehicle accidents due to driver fatigue or the like. The handle 19 is used for releasing gas into the face mask. The member 23 permits the bottle to be con veniently and easily held while being used, and the spring 24 serves to normally maintain the handle at ofi position. The member 21 functions as a stop which can be broken otf or removed by the customer when the device is to be used. The device is especially suitable for persons driving vehicles such as automobiles, and for example the device is believed to be especially suitable for older persons who may suffer from driver fatigue.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

'1 claim:

1. In a gas dispenser, a container provided with an upstanding neck, a valve in said neck, an end piece of yieldable material mounted on the upper end of said neck and said end piece having its lower surface engaging the upper end of said valve, a support member positioned adjacent to said neck, a mask integral with and extending from said support member, a handle having an end thereof pivotally connected to said support memher, a shoulder on said handle engaging said yieldable end piece, a releasable stop member interposed between a portion of said handle and said container, a clamping ring affixed to said mask and surrounding said container, and a finger engaging bracket on said ring.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 and further in cluding a spring member connected to said ring and engaging said handle.

3. The structure as defined in claim 1 and further including registering outlet openings in said support member and neck, and a tube adapted to be selectively arranged in alinement with and engagement with said last named openings.

4. In a gas dispenser, a container provided with an upstanding neck, a valve arranged in said neck, an end piece of yieldable material positioned on the upper end of said neck for controlling actuation of said valve, and said end piece having its lower surface engaging the upper end of said valve, a support member positioned adjacent to said neck, a mask formed integral with and projecting from said support member, a handle having an end thereof pivotally connected to said support member, a shoulder on said handle engaging said yieldable end piece, a releasable stop member interposed between a portion of said handle and said container, a clamping ring aflixed to said mask and surrounding said container, a finger engaging bracket on said ring, said container holding a quantity of gaseous oxygen under pressure, said gas dispenser adapted to be used when needed by -motorists,'a spring member having one end connected to said ring and having a portion engaging said handle, there being registering outlet openings in said support member and neck.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 22,045 Towart Mar. 3, 1942 2,087,119 Rosenow et al July 13, 1937 2,548,750 Stroop Apr. 10, 1951 2,729,367 Samuels Jan. 3, 1956 2,856,922 Kahan Oct. 21, 1958 

